Not Quite Grownup

Send Caitlin a Text!

Ever hyperfocus through breakfast and lunch, then inhale an entire bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos at 3 PM? Same. ADHDers Caitlin and Ariella Monti break down why ADHD brains treat food like a dopamine slot machine—and how to stop the guilt spiral.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, linked here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve eaten "just one more cookie" 7 times
• ADHDers whose fridges grow science experiments
• Anyone who’s cried after forgetting to take dinner out of the freezer

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What You Get In This Episode (aka “Why We’re Like This”)

1. The Dopamine Chase: 
   • Carb-heavy, crunchy, or Tajín-covered foods = quick brain rewards
   • "It’s not laziness—your brain is literally starving for stimulation"
2. Meal-Skipping → Hangry Meltdowns: 
   • Hyperfocus mutes hunger cues until you’re "crying over burnt toast" level
   • Pro tip: Set a "snack alarm" (even if you ignore it twice)
3. Executive Dysfunction Dinners: 
   • Rotisserie chicken = MVP when cooking feels like "advanced calculus"
   • "Salad kits > farmer’s market dreams. Fight me."
4. The Binge/Guilt Cycle: 
   • Impulsivity + emotional dysregulation = "I’ll just have one… oh no"
   • ADHDers are 4x more likely to develop eating disorders

WHEN TO GET HELP:

• If food feels out of control, seek: 
  • Registered dietitians (RDs) (not just "nutritionists")
  • Therapists specializing in ADHD + disordered eating

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Bios

• Caitlin (CK): Former teacher, current "red no. 5" apologist
• Ariella Monti: Author, ADHD advocate, and "frozen pizza is a food group" realist

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Sources & Mentions

• Ariella’s Snack Hack: "Keep a jar of mixed nuts on your desk to prevent hanger!"
• The ADHD-Dopamine Link: Why You Crave Sugar and Carbs | ADDitude Mag
• 4 Ways ADHD May Affect Your Eating Habits—and How to Get Back on Track | SELF
• The ADHD Dietitian on Instagram
• Why Sugar is Kryptonite: ADHD Diet Truths | ADDitude Mag
• Dopamine: What It Is, Function & Symptoms | Cleveland Clinic
• Intuitive Eating: Benefits and Principles | Cleveland Clinic
• Comorbid health conditions in people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses | ScienceDirect

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Back-to-school season is nearly here, and former teachers Caitlin & Jenny are begging you: Don’t be the parent who shows up hoping for a conference at dismissal or CCs the principal ‘just to be safe.’ This CK & GK classic is a hilarious (but brutally honest) guide that reveals the unwritten rules of teacher etiquette—so you can avoid becoming a teachers’ lounge horror story.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Parents who’ve ever thought, “But my child would never…” (FYI: They would.)
• Anyone who’s ever panic-bought a spiral notebook instead of a composition notebook because “they’re the same thing” (FYI: No they aren’t.)
• Mama-Bears who need some guidelines for school communication (FYI: No more 9 PM emails!).

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Supply List Savvy: Why the right scissors matter more than you think (and how to recover if you messed up).
2. Birthday Treat Fails: The shocking reason your homemade cupcakes might come back home uneaten.
3. Homework Lies Exposed: How to spot your kid’s “I finished it at school!” fib (without playing detective).
4. Email Etiquette: When to schedule that angry message (hint: after wine o’clock = bad idea).
5. The Principal Rule: Why CC’ing the admin first is like tattling in grownup font.

Bonus! Actionaable Tips

• Birthday Hack: Email teachers a week early with: “We’d love to celebrate! What’s your policy?” (Template in our Instagram highlights!)
• Homework Trick: Make “Show me before screens” your mantra (even if it’s crumpled at the bottom of their backpack).
• Conference Prep: Always send 2-3 specific questions first (e.g., “How’s his focus during group work?”).

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Bios

• Caitlin (CK): Former teacher who definitely judged your pickup line conference attempts.
• Jenny (GK): Mom and assistant principal who forgives your supply list fails (but still side-eyes unscheduled cupcakes).

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Sources & Mentions

• Must-Read: The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey (For “my child would never” recoverers).

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Ever stare at a blank page, willing your ADHD brain to just create already, only to end up deep-diving into crow memes instead? This episode’s for you. 

Caitlin and guest co-host Ariella Monti (author, fellow late-diagnosed ADHDer, and mom of an ADHD son) share hilarious, real-world strategies to unstick your creativity—without guilt-tripping yourself into oblivion.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve ever hyperfixated on literally anything instead of their passion project.
• ADHDers who thrive in chaos but crash when creativity feels like a chore.
• Anyone who needs permission to take a damn break without self-shaming.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Workspace Hacks: Why a window + Bluetooth speaker might save your sanity (and how to ADHD-proof your creative zone).
2. The Art of Strategic Procrastination: Why “hammock time” is scientifically valid (and how to explain it to your judgy inner critic).
3. Flexible Structure FTW: Ariella’s “pottery journal” method for breaking big projects into dopamine-sized bites.
4. Body Doubling Magic: How to harness the power of creative peer pressure (even if your “office” is a Discord server).
5. Permission to Rest: Why creativity blocks aren’t failures—and how to work with your brain’s chaotic cycles.

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Bios

• Caitlin (CK): Unmedicated ADHD mom, former teacher, and professional overthinker who’s obsessed with yogurt pretzels.
• Ariella Monti: Author of Roots and Ink, pottery enthusiast, and queen of “flexible structure” (who also bribes you with 20% off her books using promo code CKANDGK).

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Sources & Mentions

• Creativity and ADHD: Don't Stifle Your Creative Mind | ADDitude Mag
• The Creativity of ADHD | Scientific American
• Side Effects of Medication: Will ADHD Meds Squelch My Creativity? | ADDitude Mag
• ADHD and creativity | Understood.org
• ADHD and Creativity: Unveiling the Hidden Superpowers of Neurodiversity | NeuroLaunch
• ADHD and Writing: Overcoming Challenges and Harnessing Creativity | NeuroLaunch

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Why do ADHD moms go from talking about birds to debating Chris Evans’ best role in 2.5 seconds? Surprise—it’s not distraction (okay, not just distraction)—it’s your creative superpower. Here’s how ADHD brains are wired for next-level creativity (and how to harness it).

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve been called “too much” for seeing connections no one else does.
• ADHDers who hyperfocus on Pinterest projects at 2AM (then forget to eat).
• Anyone who needs science-backed proof their brain isn’t broken—it’s brilliant.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The 3 ADHD Creativity Superpowers
   • Divergent thinking (how you leap from birds to Chris Evans in one convo).
   • MacGyver-mode: Using paperclips for everything but paperwork.
   • Inventing truly new solutions (not just recycling old ones).
2. Why Hyperfocus = Your Secret Weapon
   • How falling down hobby rabbit holes makes you weirdly skilled.
3. The Dark Side >> Next Episode!
   • Why chaos kills creativity (and how to build a “stimulation station”).
4. Pro Tip
   • Brain dump first to avoid abandoned crafts/half-written novels.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: ****ADHD mom who once turned a cereal box and a paperclip into a Wi-Fi extender (it worked for 5 seconds).

Ariella Monti: ****The friend who documents your chaos and says “that’s genius, actually.”

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Sources & Mentions

• Creativity and ADHD: Don't Stifle Your Creative Mind | ADDitude Mag
• The Creativity of ADHD | Scientific American
• Side Effects of Medication: Will ADHD Meds Squelch My Creativity? | ADDitude Mag
• ADHD and creativity | Understood.org
• ADHD and Creativity: Unveiling the Hidden Superpowers of Neurodiversity | NeuroLaunch
• ADHD and Writing: Overcoming Challenges and Harnessing Creativity | NeuroLaunch

Tag us with your best MacGyver mom hack! (We’re still using LEGOs as phone stands.)

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Send Caitlin a Text!

When ADHD emotions hit, ‘just breathe’ doesn’t cut it. Here’s neurologically-backed first aid for meltdowns—no toxic positivity, just tools that actually work when you’re spiraling.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!
• Homework: Pick one tool from the episode to pair with your biggest trigger this week—then DM us your win (or fail!). As always, no judgment.

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve cried in the pantry after snapping at their kid over a single sock.
• ADHDers told they’re “too sensitive” when their brain is literally in fight-or-flight.
• Anyone who needs strategies faster than their next emotional tailspin.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The Ice Pack Hack: How cold water on your wrists can halt a meltdown mid-spiral.
2. “Name It to Tame It”: The 5-second game to ID emotions before they hijack you.
3. Angry Laundry Therapy: Why throwing sock balls resets your nervous system (science agrees).
4. Emotional Menus: Pre-planned coping strategies for predictable triggers (bonus: ours includes sour candy).
5. Sensory Shock Tactics: From sour candy to fidget toys—instant brain redirects.
6. Rage Journaling 101: How voice memos or rants prevent emotional bottling.
7. Self-Compassion ≠ Coddling: Why ADHD brains need this neurological first aid.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: ADHD mom, regular frustration-crier, and enthusiastic sock-ball thrower.

Ariella Monti: The friend who hands you ice packs and sour candy during meltdowns.

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Sources and Mentions

• 🧠 CHADD – ADHD emotional dysregulation research.
• 📚 ADDitude Mag – The holy grail of ADHD info.
• 🎧 How to ADHD (YouTube) – Visual explainers on emotional hijacking.
• 🔉 Loop Earplugs – Caitlin’s overstimulation lifesaver (not sponsored, just obsessed).
• 📖 Ariella’s Roots in Ink – Use code CKANDGK for 20% off at ariellamonti.com.

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Your ADHD brain isn’t ‘too sensitive’—it’s wired for emotional whiplash. Here’s why (and how to survive it)!

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who can’t hear one more noise without losing it.
• Women labeled “dramatic” for intense emotional reactions.
• Anyone whose RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) turns a thumbs-up reaction into “they hate me.”

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The science behind ADHD emotions: Why your brain’s amygdala and prefrontal cortex are frenemies.
2. Mom-specific triggers: Overstimulation meltdowns, invisible labor resentment, and the “what’s for dinner?” rage spiral.
3. Why RSD isn’t “just insecurity” (and how mom guilt amplifies it).
4. Hormones + ADHD: Why estrogen drops make Bluey a tearjerker.
5. Sneak peek: Tools to short-circuit meltdowns (coming in Part 2!), like why naming your ADHD brain helps—meet ‘Gladys the Chaos Goblin!’

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: ADHD mom, former teacher, and recovering Lego-yeller. Still apologizes to her former students for her stapler-related outbursts.

Ariella Monti: Author, ADHD creative, and Roots in Ink novelist who battles RSD one thumbs-up emoji at a time.

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Sources & Mentions

• 🧠 CHADD – ADHD emotional dysregulation research.
• 📚 ADDitude Mag – The holy grail of ADHD info.
• 🎧 How to ADHD (YouTube) – Visual explainers on emotional hijacking.
• 🔉 Loop Earplugs – Caitlin’s overstimulation lifesaver (not sponsored, just obsessed).
• 📖 Ariella’s Roots in Ink – Use code CKANDGK for 20% off at ariellamonti.com.

P.S. Tag us with your most “ADHD emotional whiplash” moment—we’ve all yelled at a single LEGO on the floor.

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Jenny spent our entire girls’ trip stealing my travel hacks—from a $11 life-changing wrap to the ADHD-friendly ‘Caboodle’ that organizes my chaos. Here’s the full list of affordable, mom-tested essentials that made her say ‘I need that!’ (and the epic curb-fail that made vendors gasp).

• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who overpack but still forget everything.
• ADHD travelers who need systems that actually work.
• Anyone who’s ever been jealous of a friend’s carry-on game.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The $11 wrap that outshines cashmere (and the viral TikTok hack Jenny missed).
2. ADHD packing wins: Clear “Caboodle” organizers, AirTag luggage tracking, and the airplane seat-back pocket that’s chef’s kiss.
3. Jenny’s steal-worthy list (including the cuticle oil pen you’ll use daily).
4. The turtle incident: Caitlin’s slow-mo ice cream spill that became a core memory.
5. Pro tip: Why you should always pack blender sounds in your mental vacation kit.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: Chronic overpacker, BuzzFeed deal addict, and mom who once survived a 10-day trip with two carry-ons.

Jenny GK: The friend who borrows your lip balm but upgrades your life with $11 Amazon finds.

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Sources & Mentions

• Find items mentioned in this episode on our Favorite Finds page!

P.S. Tag us with your weirdest travel essential—we still swear by portable white noise machines.

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Ever feel like you’re faking it just to survive motherhood/adulthood? Spoiler: It’s not impostor syndrome—it’s ADHD masking. Learn how to ditch the exhausting act without setting your life on fire.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who feel like they’re pretending to function while drowning in chaos.
• Women who downplay their struggles because “we’re all tired.”
• Anyone who’s been called “too much” or “scatterbrained” but knows there’s more to the story.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The truth about masking: Why ADHDers (especially moms) become masters of disguise—and how it backfires.
2. Burnout red flags: How to tell if you’re actually burned out (and not just really tired).
3. Unmasking strategies: Practical ways to honor your brain without abandoning responsibilities.
4. The “should” trap: Why societal expectations set moms up to fail—and how to rewrite the script.
5. Rest as rebellion: Why sleep isn’t selfish (and how to fight guilt-free for it).

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: ADHD mom, former teacher, and perpetual chaos wrangler who’s survived burnout (twice). Specializes in laughing so she doesn’t cry.

Ariella Monti: Author, ADHD creative, and yoga teacher who actually understands neurodivergent brains (no essential oil pseudoscience here).

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Sources & Mentions 

• Why ADHD Masking Is a Form of Self-Sabotage | by Sharon Saline, Psy.D., Nathaly Pesantez for ADDitude Magazine 
• Rising from ADHD Burnout: A Recovery Kit for Women | by Kate Moryoussef for ADDitude Magazine
• 🎮 Squirrel Bingo: The anti-shame game for ADHDers (linked in blog!)
• 📱 Bird Feeder Cam: Caitlin’s hyperfixation (because squirrels are menaces)
• 📚 Roots in Ink: Ariella’s spicy novel (Use code CKANDGK for 20% off!)

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Send Caitlin a Text!

** VOTE FOR CK HERE **

Hey ADHDers: Your brain didn’t come with an ‘off’ switch for distractions (duh). But it DID come with a unique ability to create workarounds. From body doubling to ‘boring task bribes,’ we’re sharing real strategies for when entrepreneurship feels like wrestling a hyperactive squirrel.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• ADHD business owners who’ve cried over unread emails
• Solopreneurs whose to-do lists multiply overnight
• Anyone who’s ever thought “I’ll remember that hilarious social post idea” (you won’t)

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What You Get In This Episode

• Distraction Hacks: Why noise-canceling headphones + brown noise = focus magic
• Time Blindness Fixes: Pomodoro timers vs. Forest app (and why Caitlin’s phone lives in another room)
• The Body Double Effect: How Discord groups/TikTok lives trick your brain into productivity
• Brain Dumps That Don’t Backfire: Why "revise paragraph 1" beats "write landing page"
• Outsourcing = Survival: When to pay the "ADHD tax" (and what to do if you can’t afford it)

Sneak Peek: Why ‘just call us later’ is like telling a fish to ride a bike…

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: Serial avoider of calling to make appointments, ADHD business owner, and reformed "I’ll just wing it" strategist.

Ariella Monti: Author of Roots & Ink, tiny puzzle addict, and advocate for "outsource anything that makes you want to cry."

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Sources & Mentions

VOTE FOR CK! Takes 90 seconds—she’ll love you forever. ⏳Time is running out to vote for Caitlin for a Women Podcaster Award—voting closes May 31!

• Part 1 of our ADHD and Entrepreneurship series (link in blog!)
• CK & GK’s Digital Decluttering Series: Declutter Your Computer and Phone (link to blog post w/episodes)

• ADDitude Mag (get all source links in blog)
• ADHD and Entrepreneurship: Unlocking the Potential of Those Who Break the Mold | Syracuse University

Tools

• Forest App (grow trees, not guilt)
• @CoachingWithBrooke on IG
• Bilateral nature sounds playlist (link in blog)

We’re Proud to Shout Out

• Roots In Ink by Ariella Monti: Use code CKANDGK for 20% off your copy at ariellamonti.com/shop
• TULA Life Balanced: Outsource the everyday tasks! Use code GROWNUP20 for 20% off your first service.

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Turns out, your ADHD brain is BUILT for entrepreneurship. From hyperfocus-fueled hustle to crisis-mode brilliance, we’re breaking down why your ‘flaws’ might actually be your unfair advantage.

• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• ADHDers who’ve ever side-eyed a 9-to-5 and thought "I could do this better… if I could just find my keys"
• Business owners who cry into spreadsheets but also solve problems like MacGyver
• Anyone who’s been called "too much" (spoiler: you’re exactly enough)

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What You Get In This Episode

The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Superpowers:

• Risk-Taking: Why your "impulsive" ideas often pay off (and when to pump the brakes)
• Problem-Solving: How your "jack-of-all-trades" brain outmaneuvers specialists
• Hyperfocused Passion: Channeling 3am passion projects into profit (without burning out)
• Justice-Driven Hustle: Why ADHDers excel at mission-driven businesses

Sneak Peek for Next Week:

"Time blindness vs. deadlines" * "Why ‘just hire help’ isn’t that simple" * "Sales calls with RSD"

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: Recovering teacher, ADHD business owner, and professional "wait, what was I doing?" enthusiast.

Ariella Monti: Author of Roots & Ink, flannel-clad sparkle witch, and living proof ADHD + entrepreneurship = magic.

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Sources & Mentions:

• Studies from Syracuse University on ADHD leadership
• ADDitude Magazine’s life-saving guides

__

Episode Sponsor:

Love historical fantasy? Grab Ariella’s spicy novel Roots & Ink with 20% off using code CKANDGK at AriellaMonti.com.

"Share this with your fellow ‘chaos entrepreneur’! And if you’ve ever lost a client email while drafting it… We see you.💚

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